The Europa League league phase kicked off with a proper shake-up: AC Milan lost 2-0 at home to Benfica, their first defeat since Ruben Amorim took charge, while Sunderland marked their return to European football after 53 years with a gritty 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar.
Milan had started their Serie A campaign unbeaten — two wins and two draws — but came unstuck at San Siro against a Benfica side still unbeaten this season and making history of their own: after losing the 1963 and 1990 European Cup finals to the Italians, this was their first-ever win over Milan. Dodi Lukebakio set the tone in the 16th minute, cutting in from the right and drilling a left-footed shot into the far corner. Jakub Kaminski doubled the lead early in the second half, finishing off Souffian el Karouani's cross from the left. Amorim, who admitted beforehand he wasn't sure he'd have the time he needs, said afterwards that his side would keep adapting as they build an identity.
The night's most emotional story came on Wearside. Sunderland, hosting their first European match since a Cup Winners' Cup second-round tie in 1973, beat AZ Alkmaar 1-0 in front of a bouncing Stadium of Light. Enzo Le Fee hit the post in a dominant first half, then made amends from the spot after Weslley Patati fouled him — redemption after his penalty was saved against Arsenal the previous weekend. Keeper Robin Roefs preserved the win with a late stop from Valdemar Byskov. "We fully deserve this moment," said defender Trai Hume.
Elsewhere, Lyon bounced back from their Champions League play-off heartbreak against Fenerbahçe by winning 2-1 at Anderlecht, with Noah Nartey scoring early and Keito Nakamura grabbing his first goal for the club. Bayer Leverkusen beat Slovenian champions Celje 2-0, Olympiacos came from behind against Jagiellonia, Sparta Prague won 4-1 at Ararat, and Omonia edged Celta Vigo.
For travellers, this opening round shapes a season of genuinely tempting city breaks. Lisbon and Milan are two of Europe's great weekend destinations with matchday culture baked in, and Benfica's win only adds spice to a potential rematch down the line. Sunderland's return means the Stadium of Light joins the list of English grounds worth timing a trip around — Newcastle is a short hop up the road, making it an easy double-city trip. Keep an eye on the league-phase standings: with 36 teams playing eight games each, tickets for these midweek fixtures are often easier to come by than Champions League nights, and cities like Brussels, Leverkusen, and Prague make affordable bases for a football-and-city combo.